Hanoi is a haven of street food wherein it has become almost like an art, a cuisine tourists, both foreign and local, should never miss when they are in the area. The following are just some of Hanoi's street food specialties, a must-try for anyone visiting and even living in Hanoi: Dried Beef and Papaya Salad at Hoan Kiem Lake. A concoction of grated papaya, pounded roasted peanuts, marjoram, and dried beef tendon; mixed with herbs and spices for additional flavor; and soaked in vinegar, sugar, garlic, pepper, and salt for even further taste. Sold at Nam Restaurant at Dinh Tien Hoang Street along Hoan Kiem Lake. The restaurant and dish are so popular that the place is always packed with people who want a taste of the famous street cuisine.

Banh Goi at Ly Quoc Su Street. Banh Goi or pillow cake is composed of prok, shrimps, and vegetables stuffed insdie a crispy, golden brown shell and served with sweet and sour fish sauce. Hanoi is filled with restaurants selling the favorite street food which is also called fried dumplings in some eateries.

Banh Duc at Le Ngoc Han Street. Banh Duc is a kind of rice cake made of rice flour, lime water, onon, fish sauce, and minced meat. The one sold in Le Ngoc Han Street is particularly attractive among people with its temptingly good smell and especially delicious taste.

Snail Rice Vermicelli at O Quan Chuong Street. Other parts of Hanoi sell this popular street food, but it is only in this street where you can find and taste the original and delectable snail rice vermicelli. Unlike other establishements, the snails served here are big and soft. This is a kind of dish that should be eaten slowly in order to fully appreciate the meal. At first it may taste a little sour, but further into the food will reveal its deliciously crispy taste that makes it a hit among its loyal patrons in the first place.

Pho at Bat Dan Street. Pho consists of sliced beef, green onions, and aromatic broth served in a bowl. Bat Dan Restaurant on the street with the same name sells the famous dish. Unlike other recipes though, Pho in this part of Hanoi is served not with lemon, but vinegar, perhaps the reason why it is so in demand among its clients that people do not mind lining up for the particular street food.

These are just some of the popular street dishes in Hanoi. Exploring around the city will definitely reveal even more street food, so good-tasting that they are indeed considered cuisine.